When comparing DJI Phantom 4 Pro vs GoPro Karma, the Slant community recommends GoPro Karma for most people. In the question“What are the best drones capable of shooting 4K video?”GoPro Karma is ranked 5th while DJI Phantom 4 Pro is ranked 9th. The most important reason people chose GoPro Karma is:

When you buy the drone, you also get a handheld gimbal system with control buttons. The stabilizing gimbal is useful as it can be mounted on other GoPro compatible accessories. The package also includes additional propellers and a backpack with a built-in shoulder mount where you can attach your camera.

Pros

Pro

Great autonomous flying functionality

The drone is equipped with plenty of autonomous flying modes, including various object tracking modes, pre-defined path flying mode, and even "follow the terrain" mode. Coupled with the excellent obstacle avoidance systems, you can use these auto modes without any worries.

Pro

Has built-in obstacle avoidance

The Phantom 4 Pro has an advanced 5-direction obstacle avoidance system, unlike other drones with only forward/downward facing sensors. This greatly minimizes the risk of crashing when flying backwards or to a side with limited visibility. The sensors also allow greater control and stability when flying indoors. However, obstacle avoidance in all directions only works in two flight modes: beginner and tripod. In standard flying mode, only the front and rear sensors work. The obstacle sensing range is 30 meters in all directions, the obstacle avoidance system range goes from 0.2m to 7m, and the max speed for obstacle avoidance is 50 km/h (31 mph). The drone avoids obstacles either by moving past them or stopping right at the obstacle.

Camera can take bright images in the dark

Pro

Version that comes with a remote with a built-in Android tablet is available

It is possible to buy this drone in a “plus” version that includes a remote with a built-in Android tablet with an extremely bright screen.

Pro

Great image quality

The drone boasts a large sensor almost four times as large as those in high-end smartphones. This allows it to capture a more detailed picture and greatly improves performance in low light. Another standout feature is the aperture control, which allows you to change the depth of field for creative uses.

Pro

Great value package

When you buy the drone, you also get a handheld gimbal system with control buttons. The stabilizing gimbal is useful as it can be mounted on other GoPro compatible accessories. The package also includes additional propellers and a backpack with a built-in shoulder mount where you can attach your camera.

Pro

Simple to use controller

This drone's controller only has a few intuitively placed buttons, which are easy to learn. There’s no need to attach a smartphone, since the controller comes with a built-in touchscreen. The information layout on the screen is simple and won’t overwhelm you.

Pro

Helps beginners to learn how to fly it with a virtual learning mode

The Karma has a virtual learning mode for beginners, allowing them to fly this drone virtually, with the remote, while learning the basics.

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Cons

Con

Front propellers can get in the way of the frame

When flying and filming, the front propellers can get in the way of the frame quite often.

Con

Doesn't support third party apps

The DJI Phantom 4 Pro is to use the native DJI operating system and it seems that third party apps are unable to control this drone.

Con

The sensors don't detect all obstacles

The Phantom 4 Pro's sensors have some problems picking up obstacles with a black surface, even in the daytime. This means you must be careful when flying around dark obstacles or during the night. Only the infrared side sensing systems work well at nighttime.

Con

Not very portable

You can’t fold or flatten the drone when it is switched off, so it isn’t so easy to travel with. Because of the large dimensions, it will not fit in a carry-on luggage in a plane. Also, every time you get the drone ready to fly, you will need to attach the propellers to the drone as they aren’t foldable, only removable.

Con

May occasionally loose tracked objects

The mode that tracks an object may lose the target occasionally, if it takes sharp turns.

Con

No automatic tracking mode

As of July 2017, there is no tracking mode where the drone can follow an object around. This feature would have been useful when you want the drone to follow a subject doing outdoor sports or driving a vehicle. GoPro has promised to add this in a future update.

Con

Over-reliance on GPS may lead to random drifting

The Karma doesn’t have any obstacle avoidance or downward sensors, relying solely on its GPS signal. This means it may drift randomly in the air if the GPS signal isn’t strong enough. At worst, it may cause collisions with objects in its path. Fortunately, the controller can somehow compensate this effect.

Con

Limitations when filming in 4K

Filming in 4K gives a “fish eye” effect which can be removed later, but it also reduces the maximum resolution down to 2.7K.

Con

Lack of an obstacle avoidance system may cause crashes

If the drone loses connection with the remote and takes a straight course home, it can crash somewhere, since it lacks an obstacle avoidance system.

Con

Controller's screen is hard to see under direct sunlight

The controller's screen is glossy, making it hard to use under direct sunlight.

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